đź“·PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro
A Palace official on Monday, February 24, accused former President Rodrigo Duterte of engaging in political intrigue and planting evidence, citing the latter’s alleged history of creating rumors and manipulating evidence.
In a chance interview with Malacañang reporters, newly appointed Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro rejected allegations made by former President Rodrigo Duterte that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. might refuse to step down after his term ends in 2028.
“Ang una kong sinabi diyan noon, anong ebidensya, paano mapapatunayan? Tatlo lang ang sinabi ko: hindi tayo puwedeng maniwala sa mga pang-iintriga lamang na walang ebidensya,” Castro said.
She further emphasized that Duterte’s history of political tactics should cast doubt on the credibility of his allegations.
“Natatandaan ninyo na noong panahon ni dating Pangulong Duterte, inamin niya, fiscal pa lang siya, expert na siya sa pang-intriga at pagplanta ng ebidensya,” Castro said.
“Siguro naman napatunayan na natin ‘yan sa panahon ni Senator Leila de Lima, so ano pa ba ang ating ie-expect sa dating Pangulong Duterte? Gumawa ng intriga, magplanta ng ebidensya,” Castro added.
Castro suggested that Duterte’s motives were driven by a desire to regain power.
She added that the public cannot expect anything from the former president but intrigues and fabricated evidence.
“Hindi tayo pwedeng maniwala sa mga pang-iintriga lamang na walang ebidensya,” Castro said.
Duterte previously suggested that Marcos Jr. might declare martial law, similar to his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., to ensure a no-election scenario and prolong his stay in power.
He also claimed that political opponents are aiming to remove his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, early on to eliminate her as a potential contender in the 2028 presidential elections.
Over the weekend, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin dismissed Duterte’s recent remarks as nothing more than a “tall tale” from a “tyrant who did not respect the rights of the people.” (TCSP)
